Two men arrested after police uncover two cannabis farms in terraced houses after community tip-offs

Two cannabis farms were found in Shiney Row and Hetton-le-Hole after residents tipped off police about suspicious activity at the two addresses.

Officers arrested a 56-year-old man on Friday, November 20 at an address in Houghton-le-Spring after a member of the public flagged down police on Hedworth Terrace in Shiney Row to alert them of suspicious activity at a vacant property.

Police located a man inside – along with a cannabis farm with more than 150 plants at various stages of growth.

On Monday, November 23 officers responded to a community tip-off about suspected criminality at a house on Fairy Street, Hetton-le-Hole.

A 28-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of producing a Class B drug.

Sergeant Steve Passey, of Northumbria Police, has praised the community and has encouraged other residents to get in touch if they suspect drug misuse or supply in their area.

He said: “This was yet another example of how the public can be our eyes and ears. On both occasions, we were contacted by concerned members of the community who suspected something was not quite right.

“Their suspicions were proven right, and now as a result of them doing the right thing and speaking to us, we have been able to take a substantial amount of drugs off the streets and arrest two men on suspicion of drug-related offences.

“Quite often, operations of this type can be used by organised criminal groups to fund other illicit activity – so this will inevitably provide a dent in their pockets and sends out a strong message in the community.

“I would also like to reiterate that quite often in farms such as these, the electricity has been by-passed which is incredibly dangerous and a potential fire risk for anybody living nearby.

“Nobody wants to live next to a potential death trap. If you suspect something in your area, as was the case here, please come forward and report it.”

The men arrested have been released under investigation and enquiries are ongoing.

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